New URL

If you're reading this from a URL you've bookmarked, you might be missing something. The site has now been moved to http://www.shalomnova.org/youngfamilies/

Update your bookmarks and I'll see you there!

Israel Street Festival - Sun May 22

Celebrate Israel's Independence Day with the Jewish community at Fairfax Corner (11900 Palace Way, Fairfax, off Monument Drive). There will be events from noon until 5, with a screening of an Israeli film at 5:15 to end the activities. We were there last year and it was a lot of fun for the kids, too. I highly recommend it! (And this year, I won't be 39 weeks pregnant, which probably made it less fun than it would have been otherwise.)

For information on the festival or to become a sponsor, contact Laurie Albert at (703) 537-3064 or LaurieA@jccnv.org. To volunteer, e-mail volunteer@jccnv.org.

Expect to find yourself in DC or Maryland that day? There are events at the Rockville and DC JCCs, too. More info is available online.

Mother's Circle - this fall

This fall, the JCC will have the opportunity to offer the Mother’s Circle program. The Mothers Circle provides free education and support for mothers of other religious backgrounds raising Jewish children. To learn more about this exciting program please stop in for a fun informational gathering on Wednesday, May 4th at 7:00pm.

For more information contact Laurie Albert at 703.537.3064 or LaurieA@jccnv.org. Please contact Laurie if you can attend or would be interested in the fall class.

Rocknoceros preschool fundraiser - June 5

Rocknoceros returns to Agudas Achim Preschool on Sunday June 5. Doors open at 3:30 pm and the concert begins at 4. Mark your calendar to join this famous, fun and utterly entertaining musical group for kids of all ages. We were there last year (with our newborn in tow) and plan to return this year!

Concert tickets go on sale May 1 and will be $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Concurrent raffle of baskets filled with wonderful kid-friendly and family-fun activities. Raffle tickets 5 for $5, also on sale May 1.

Agudas Achim is located at 2908 Valley Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302.

For information contact preschoolevents@gmail.com.

Creating our own traditions

When did you decide that your old Haggadah just wasn't working for you anymore? Do you tend to use bits and pieces from different ones? Do you leave it up to whomever hosts to decide? I've been struggling a bit because I know that the one we've used for years and years hardly satisfies the adults, let alone my almost 4-year-old. I tried to explain the text to him in simple English, but I'm not sure that the content is relevant to him. And isn't the point of the Haggadah to tell the story? (L'hagid means to tell!) Last year, when I was 9 months pregnant at the seder, I brought along a handful of alternate texts and readings but they weren't particularly well-received. My goal for the coming year is to take another step forward so that next year not only my older son but even my younger one will understand a bit of the seder. I would love to hear suggestions and comments about how your seders have evolved since having kids. Thanks!

Register TODAY for Sunday's Passover GJF Event

Yes, I'm doing this last minute too, but the form is available online so there's no excuse! Find the form here: http://www.jccnv.org/documents/fliers/Passover-Fun-Flyer.pdf

Contact Brittanie or (703) 537-3019 to let her know to expect your registration.

Taste of Israel - Wed May 25

Need something to do with your teenager? If your child likes to cook (and to eat), look into the Taste of Israel: Ethnic Cooking at its Best on Wednesday May 25 at 7 pm at the JCC.

Six Israeli women from the area's partnership community with Beit Shemesh-Mateh Yehuda will come to the JCC to cook foods from different areas (Moroccan, Kurdish-Iraqi, Persian, Russian, and Yemenite). You'll learn about the food and also about the stories that these women have to offer. It promises to appeal to all the senses.

You MUST register in advance (by May 20). Please contact Laurie Albert or Amy Brinko to register. The cost is $22 member / $28 nonmember.

Play ball - July 10

Save the date for Jewish Community Day at Nationals Park. The Nats will host the Rockies at 1:35 pm and there will be all sorts of activities. Discounted tickets are available. There will be Jewish-themed music and food (of course there is always a kosher food stand anyway). There will also be some sort of special giveaway - details TBA.

For more information, contact Greg Foscato (202-640-7806). I'll post more information when it's available.

Jewish Film Festival - THIS WEEK

Somehow it took me by surprise this year, but the Northern Virginia International Jewish Film Festival is taking place right now! The opening reception and film was on March 24th and there are films through April 3. The entire festival schedule is available online. You can't possibly not find a movie worth seeing. We've discovered a few favorites over the years. Movies are shown at a number of locations and tickets can be purchased online ($11 for adults, less for early shows, students, seniors & groups).

Passover with Growing Jewish Families - Sun Apr 10

Growing Jewish Families has an exciting Passover-themed event planned for Sunday, April 10, 9:30am at Ratcliffe Park (10300 Sager Ave, Fairfax). There will be Passover books, matzah, Passover songs, and a scavenger hunt. (Hmm - that sounds like practice for searching for afikomen!)

The cost is $7/nonmember families, $5/member families.

Registration (by April 7) is required so you can be notified in case of bad weather. Please contact Brittanie Werbel or at 703-537-3019 to register or for more information.

Ready for Passover?

We haven't finished eating the goodies in the shalach manot that my parents sent and already I'm wondering what we're going to eat for Passover. The challenge? My almost 4-year-old could live on pasta and the baby seems to love corn and peas more than anything. Last year I was too exhausted to switch the dishes, so we did something not very green and eat off paper so I could just unpack the cookware. Oh, and we bought a lot of prepared foods from from Wegman's. I really don't remember what my older son ate! I know we'll survive - but send me tips if you have any ideas, please! In the meantime, consider how we're not supposed to eat matzah in the month before Passover so that first taste will be wonderful... much better than the last one, that's for sure!

Used Book Sale Benefiting Gesher (April 3-6)

Gesher Jewish Day School is currently collecting books and media items (DVDs, CDs, audio books and videotapes) of all genres and for all ages for an upcoming Used Book Sale. Book collection is this Friday 3/11, and Mon.-Thurs. 3/14 - 3/17. To donate, drop books and media items at Gesher.

The Used Book sale will be open to the public Sunday 4/3 (also Community Family Fun Day 1-4 pm) through Wed. 4/6. Most books are priced $.50-2. All proceeds benefit the school.

Gesher is located at 4800 Mattie Moore Court, Fairfax.

For further information, contact Sharon Bliss or Amy Friedman.

Dining Out for Life - Tonight (March 10)

If you observe kashrut, then please don't take offense, but if you eat out (or eat veggie only - that's my personal compromise), then consider finding a way to participate in Dining Out for Life tonight. Restaurants donate a portion of their sales to Food & Friends, which provides meals, groceries, and nutritional counseling to people with health challenges. We've discovered a few great new restaurants this way, also! And it's another opportunity to talk about tzedakah and all the ways we can help. (Of course, you can also contribute more right at the restaurant - Food & Friends representatives are there to collect and offer receipts.)

Magic Mania - Mar 20

On Sunday March 20, from 3:30-5, come to the JCC for an afternoon of crafts and magic! We'll start out with crafts and snacks at 3:30 and at 4 pm, Dean Allen of Carnegie Magic will wow us with feats of prestidigitation and mysterious tricks.

The cost is $19 per family for members and $25 for nonmembers. Register before March 12 and it's only $15 and $21, respectively.

Please contact Heidi Palchik (703-537-3086) for more information.

Trivia Night at the JCC - Mar 12, 8-10:30 pm

Think you know trivia? Take the challenge! Bring your friends to make a table at discounted rate and name your table in advance. Drinks (beer, wine, soda) and light refreshments included and PRIZES will be awarded. The grand prize is a Caribbean cruise for two (donated by Miriam Levinson, Great TimeTours, Ltd.).

Bring a friends, reserve a whole table for $125. Everyone at the winning table will receive a $25 gift certificate. Or, take your chances and meet new friends ($18M/ $22NM in advance / walk-ins: $25).

To register or for more information, contact Carla Rosenfeld (703-537-3060).

(Not coincidentally, there is a Kids' Night Out the same night. How convenient!)

Community Family Fun Day at Gesher Jewish Day School - April 3

Enjoy that lull between Purim festivities and Passover preparation at the 4th annual Community Family Fun Day at Gesher Jewish Day School on Sunday, April 3 from 1-4 pm. This event is FREE and open to the community. There will be all kinds of entertainment, Passover activity and learning stations, crafts, and games, refreshments and a moonbounce. Find great children's books at the PTO used book sale! Gesher is located at 4800 Mattie Moore Court in Fairfax. For more information, email Debra Mendelson or call 703-962-9216.

Open Gym at Gesher Jewish Day School - Mar 13

Once again, Gesher's gym will be open on an upcoming Sunday morning for an hour of free play starting at 10:00. While we no longer have threats of ice and snow (I hope), I don't know about you, but my son's favorite playground (yes, he has one) is often a little too muddy for me to want to take him! Here's an indoor alternative.

This is a free program that includes a snack. RSVP to Debra Mendelson. Gesher is located at 4800 Mattie Moore Court, Fairfax, VA 22030.

My kids' first protest / act of lactivism

One more milestone to record, I guess. We participated in the nurse-in at the Hirshhorn today. I took my 9-month-old and we wandered around the museum, and yes, he got hungry. Later, towards the end, my husband arrived with our 3-year-old. Given the general state of chaos, I think both kids did well. The museum certainly knows that while its apology was nice, we are an organized crowd who won't let a teachable moment pass us by. I firmly believe that people who are uncomfortable with nursing don't have to watch me - no one's forcing them to! And I firmly believe that I should be able to feed my baby in a place that's clean (i.e., no bathrooms). Can't we all just be nice to each other? Here's coverage in the Post.

Open Activity Room at the JCC - Feb 13

Come check out the no-longer-so-new but still great Activity Room at the JCC. It will be open from 10-11:30 on February 13 for kids 3 years and younger. Bright colors, soft floors, and mini climbing structures make for a safe and fun place for the children to play - and WARM, too. Enough of this winter! All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Pre-registration is required. It's free for members and $5 per child for nonmembers. I'm not sure the registration form is available online. Please direct questions to Amit Hickman, director of infants, toddlers, and 2s at the preschool (703-537-3051).

Open Gym at Gesher Jewish Day School - Feb 6

This coming Sunday, Gesher's gym will be open for an hour of free play starting at 10:00. Come out of the cold and have your kids run off some energy in the Gesher gym. This is a free program that includes a snack. If there is precipitation and a concern about weather, changes will be posted on Gesher's website by 8:30 a.m. Sunday morning. Please check before you leave home! RSVP to Debra Mendelson. Gesher is located at 4800 Mattie Moore Court, Fairfax, VA 22030.

An early start on Purim....

Start thinking about Purim early this year. Join your Growing Jewish Families friends at a Purim Pajama party. Enjoy PJ Library stories, crafts, and games, and enjoy some hamantashen on the way home. Make putting the kids to bed easier by bringing them in their PJs.

WHEN: Sunday, February 6, 6-7pm
WHERE: Barnes & Noble, Tyson's Corner
WHO: Toddlers and preschoolers and their families
COST: $5/JCCNV member family, $7/ nonmember family
REGISTER BY: February 3

Contact Brittani Werbel for more information.

We went to last year's event had really enjoyed it. By having it early, you may even be inspired to make your own hamantaschen in time for preparing shalach manot, too. I think we may see if my 3-year-old is interested in helping this year. I'm not sure that he'd select my favorite filling - apricot - but I'm glad to let him experiment.

Chocolate, anyone?

This year's Fairfax Chocolate Lovers Festival will be held on March 5-6. It's traditionally been held early to mid February but was postponed last year because of the snow. There is lots of chocolate to taste and buy and also many other Fairfax City events. There will be a Chocolate Challenge that serious bakers and decorators will enter - it will be amazing to see their creations. It can get a bit packed for the kids, and it's hard to pick an "off" time, and you can't bring a stroller inside BUT it's a lot of fun if you bring some wipes to clean up the chocolate that your kids will undoubtedly be wearing after a taste or two.

“Jym” at the J - Sunday mornings

I've wondered if dads who are primary caregivers feel a bit odd, surrounded by a sea of moms. Well, here's a way for them to take the lead. There's a a daddy-and-me class (mommies and caregivers welcome) this spring at the JCC.

This exciting new class introduces toddlers to balancing and agility skills to help develop the children’s physical development while providing them with a fun and safe setting. Our highly skilled instructor will provide activities for children to develop their gross motor skills. Class takes place in the JCCNV activity room. (The activity room is a colorful, padded, fun place to be. My younger son, who is at the JCC for childcare, just loves playing there.)

Sundays, March 27–May 15
(no class April 17, 24)
9:30am-10am
Ages 18 months (by 1/1/11) to 30 months

Cost for the 6-session program: $60 for members / $70 for nonmembers

Call the JCC at 703-323-0880 or download the flier to register.

Mommy and Me class - Sunday mornings at the JCC

I remember looking for a Mommy and Me yoga class when my older son was little and I didn't find one until he was too big. Once again, we're in that situation. My little guy has been crawling for several weeks and takes a lot of chasing these days. But you can attend!

Mommy & Me Yoga for Moms (or Dads or caregivers) with Pre-crawlers
Bond with your baby, build and restore your body, and connect with other moms. No yoga experience necessary. Mom & baby will practice yoga together! Moms will restore and rejuvenate through stretching and strengthening poses. Babies will enjoy yoga poses to help aid in digestion and sleep. Spend time on yourself while giving love and attention to your baby as well.

Sundays, February 6–March 13
9am-9:30am
9 weeks to Pre-crawlers
Cost for the 6-session program: $60 for members / $70 for nonmembers

Call the JCC at 703-323-0880 or download the flier to register.

Pizza Pie Party - February 13

In this cold weather, we're all about leaving the house to get a little air, even if it's too cold for our favorite playground. (That's the one where we see the ice cream truck, my older son would explain.)

Come to the JCC on Sunday February 13 from 11-1. You can make pizza bagels and then eat them for lunch. Not bad, you say? Well, there will also be an ice cream sundae bar. Sold. We'll be there. There will also be crafts and music.

The cost is $10/family for members and $15/family for nonmembers. Call the JCC (703-323-0880) for details or to register.

Tu B'Shevat event - January 16 - details!

Details for the Tu B’Shevat Family Celebration have been announced:

Sunday, January 16, 10am
Location: Gulf Branch Nature Center
3608 N Military Road, Arlington, VA

Let’s think “Green” as we celebrate the New Year of the Trees! Bring your family for a morning of tree-centered crafts, story time and “going green” fun! Enjoy delicious fruit snacks and drinks. Everyone welcome - bring family and friends to join in the fun! Our crafts will be environmentally-friendly, so help us by bringing CLEAN, EMPTY aluminum cans and EMPTY toilet-paper/paper towel rolls!

Cost per family: $5 JCCNV member family/ $7 Nonmember family

Register by January 13th. For information contact Brittanie Werbel by phone at (703) 537-3019 or email.

Labels for a cause

If you find the seasonal rotation frustrating because of all the clothes you must label for your kids, you might be interested in the JCC Preschool's latest fundraiser. They are partnering with a manufacturer of a variety of high-quality labels - for clothes but also for just about anything else. Please consider making a purchase through the link below and the preschool will benefit from your purchase. Direct questions to me - I'm coordinating it!